London Christmas Lights

[Fedup187]

Hi All,

Just after some advice about if there is a quieter time to visit the lights in London? I adore Christmas lights, they're my favourite part of the season, but we tried to walk down Oxford St last Saturday and it was too busy to enjoy. Not festive at all really! And we made it to Selfridges but inside we were like sardines, shuffling along and couldnt get near any of the displays. I have some flex days with work so could go whenever really. Any tips gratefully received! Would a bus tour maybe be better? Thank you 😊

94 bus from Marble Arch to Piccadilly Circus.

Tbh, the lights in the famous shopping streets haven’t been too spectacular in recent years. Also, no, there’s no quiet time because tourists clog up the pavements as per your experience.

Try Covent Garden Market, Fortnum & Mason, Liberty and Carnaby Street.

We walked down Bond Street and Piccadilly last Friday night at about 10pm and it was as quiet as it’s ever going to be. A few busy areas where people were taking photos of the best lights but generally quiet.

Carnaby street are usually my favourite

Which Christmas lights? Just around Oxford Street? Do you want to go into the stores too? TBH, the lights haven’t changed in years, and only John Lewis, Selfridges and Liberty have impressive window displays (and Christmas departments.

Weekdays are quieter than weekends, early in the week is better than Thursday or Friday, especially later when the shops have closed and the post work drinks crowd have left. Sunday after 6pm when the shops are closed is quiet.

Winter Wonderland always used to have free entry on weekday afternoons in November, although I haven’t checked this year.